Father's Little Dividend (1951)

In this sequel to Father of the Bride, newly married Kay Dunstan announces that she and her husband are going to have a baby, leaving her father having to come to grips with the fact that he will soon be a granddad.

Director:

Vincente Minnelli

Writers:

Albert Hackett (screenplay), Frances Goodrich (screenplay),

Stars:

Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, Elizabeth Taylor

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Spencer Tracy	...	Stanley Banks
Joan Bennett	...	Ellie Banks
Elizabeth Taylor	...	Kay Dunstan
Don Taylor	...	Buckley Dunstan
Billie Burke	...	Doris Dunstan
Moroni Olsen	...	Herbert Dunstan
Richard Rober	...	Police Sergeant
Marietta Canty	...	Delilah (Banks' Maid)
Russ Tamblyn	...	Tommy Banks (as Rusty Tamblyn)
Tom Irish	...	Ben Banks
Hayden Rorke	...	Dr. Andrew Nordell
Paul Harvey	...	Rev. Galsworthy

Storyline

In this sequel to Father of the Bride, Stanley Banks learns that his daughter Kay is going to have a baby. When they get the news everyone except Stanley is overjoyed. His wife and grandmother-to-be Ellie broadcasts it everywhere and all Stan can do is worry about the practical things like how his son-in-law Buckley can afford it. Well, having not long ago paid for the wedding, Stanley has no intention of bearing any of the expenses involved. Buckley's parents and Ellie are overjoyed at the news and virtually take over redecorating the young couple's new house. Crisis and false alarms take over their lives and when the child is born, the only person he doesn't seem to like is Stanley. A walk in the park - and absolute panic when Stanley misplaces his grandson - seems to resolve the situation.

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Plot Keywords:

1950s | sequel | pregnancy | baby nursery | maternity ward | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 April 1951 (USA)

Also Known As:

Laugh Track: Father's Little Dividend

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was shot in 22 days.

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Goofs

The baby is christened "Stanley Banks." It may appear to be a goof that he is not christened "Stanley Dunstan" or "Stanley Banks Dunstan." However, in Roman Catholic and Anglican/Episcopalian baptisms, only the Christian names are used, not the surname.

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Quotes

Stanley Banks: [Telephone rings at night] Hello. Buckley, do you know what time it is? It's a quarter to three.
Buckley Dunstan: I'm sorry, I didn't realize. Is Kay there?
Stanley Banks: [Sarcastically] But of course she, where would she be?
[Whispers]
Stanley Banks: Hello, I'll take this downstairs, hang on
[Puts down the receiver & quietly tiptoes downstairs to hall, then picks up the extension phone]
Stanley Banks: What do you mean. is she here?
Buckley Dunstan: Well, I thought if she were there I could come & pick her up if she were there.
Stanley Banks: When did she leave? What time did she leave?
Buckley Dunstan: I ...
[...]

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Connections

Follows Father of the Bride (1950)

User Reviews

Not as good as the original, but very good

I love the original Father of the Bride. Father's Little Dividend isn't as good, it is a little too short and there is nothing ground-breaking or special really in the story. However, it is still very good and very entertaining, and it is a little more realistic than the original I think. The cinematography and production values are still very promising, and the script is witty. The film is snappily paced and Vincente Minelli's direction is efficient. The acting I have nothing to criticise, Spencer Tracy is wonderful with his comic timing yet never stops to have a warm and loving chemistry with his co-stars. Elizabeth Taylor is also still lovely. Overall, a very entertaining sequel. 8/10 Bethany Cox